The Lookbook: Pretty In Pink

The summer is officially here and it is hot as hell, so it's time to start toning down my makeup. I am a firm believer in keeping your makeup minimal, feminine and fresh during this sunny season, so overtime I've racked up a variety of different looks to keep things interesting - 'Pretty In Pink' is one of my favourites.

I always love using pink tones - when done right, pinks can create a soft, romantic and glowing look. Pink shades are also universal - flattering all skin tones, eye colours and hair clours. 

Here is what I used to create the look...

Skincare:

- Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturiser

- Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream

- Cherry Chapstick

Makeup:

- Stila One Step Correct

- Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Éclat Illuminating Foundation in BD20

- MAC Studio Finish Skin Corrector in Light Peach

- Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer in Pearl

- Cover FX Illuminator in Moonlight

- Giorgio Armani Sun Fabric in 100

- NYC Cheek Glow Blush in West Side Wine

- e.l.f Studio Baked Eyeshadow in Moonlight Serenade

- MAC Eye Shadow in Jest

- Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara

- Nars Brow Perfector in Caucase

- Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Gloss Stick in Coral Reef

Tools:
- Smashbox Telephoto 3-In-1 Face Brush

- Louise Young Angled Brow Sable Brush

- MAC 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush

- Japonesque Power Curler

Now it's time to show me your 'Pretty in Pink' makeup look. Just tweet or Instagram me your #lookbookselfie!

Wednesday Wisdom: Madeleine Albright

“There is a special place in hell for women who don't help other women”

The Tuesday Tip: How To Achieve The Perfect Cupid's Bow

Applying lip liner is always tricky but lining the cupid's bow is the worst. Even those with the steadiest hands struggle to get an even application - particularly when a cupid's bow is not well defined.

Luckily, a few years ago I came across a makeup trick that guarantees a perfect pout. It is quick, free and unbelievably easy.

All you have to do is draw an X on the top of your lip, simple right?! Using your lip liner, draw a diagonal line down your top lip, starting from the left peak of your cupid’s bow. Then move the pencil to the right peak of your cupid’s bow and draw another diagonal line downwards, creating an X. Finish lining your lips as per usual and then colour in with lipstick!

Weekly Worship: Vichy Normaderm Night Detox

Price: £15.50 / $27.00 40ml

Stockist: Boots / feelunique.com

Night treatments are amazing because, well, who doesn't love a product that boosts beauty sleep? The latest night treatment to hit my face before it hits the pillow is Vichy's Normaderm Night Detox - a new serum that contains a cocktail of salicylic acid, LHA, eperuline, H.E.P.E.S and perlite. Impressive mix, right?

The detox serum is designed to improve your skin throughout the night and does this by purifying and cleansing the skin, tightening pores and evening skin texture. It also works wonders on oily skin as it helps to slow the rate of oil production that increases while you sleep (a problem that greatly effects those with oily skin). As I don't suffer with oily skin, I haven't been able to use this product to its full potential. However I can often wakeup looking a little oily in areas and, since using this product, my face has been shine-free at sunrise!

What I love about this night treatment is its lightweight texture and ability to absorb into the skin quickly - there is nothing  worse than your pillow getting more beauty benefits than your face! Each time I use the Normaderm Night Detox, I wake up with my skin feeling tight (in the right way), uber soft and lusciously plump. My skin looks healthy and fresh, which makes a change from the usual early-morning dull and dehydrated look!

Review: Jamie Stevens

The Place: Jamie Stevens (London & Somerset)

The Products Used: Matrix Professional Colour, Matrix Heat Protector and Matrix Thermo Glide Expres Blowout Creme.

The Treatment: Full head of highlights, including cut and blowdry

The Price: From £185

The Review: I had high expectations when I entered a Jamie Stevens salon; after all, Jamie is the Head Stylist on the X-Factor, he's won numerous hairdressing awards and his London salon just won 'Salon of the Year' in the 2014 Hair Awards. Luckily for me, those expectations were met! Not only did I have a lovely time in salon, I walked out with some amazingly transformed locks!

From the second I stepped in the salon, everyone I came into contact with was extremely friendly and helpful. The team attended to my every need to keep me as comfortable as possible - which is important when your salon stay is around the three hour mark!

My consultation was extremely thorough. My stylist, Jess, asked lots of questions regarding my hair concerns and desires and we spoke in detail about the look I wanted to achieve. She then advised me on what styles and colours would work best with face shape and skin tone. I was really impressed by the whole experience - I gave Jess quite a difficult brief but she really listened to what I wanted and advised me on what would look best.

The service itself was as comfortable and relaxing as it could have been - the time flew by as Jess and I spent most of it gossiping and chatting about all things beauty. Jess was packed full of hair knowledge and spent a lot of time recommending great products for my hair type and providing useful tips and advice on how to keep my hair healthy and looking fabulous.

The end result had to be my favourite part of the Jamie Stevens experience! I left the salon with gorgeous, natural-looking highlights that were strategically placed to give me an on-trend and edgy style. The choice of colours used complimented my skintone and the layered, choppy cut perfectly framed my face. The overall look was exactly what I was going for...it was clear the thorough consultation had paid off!

The Pro: The consultation was the best I've ever received at a hair salon. Jess, my stylist, was patient, extremely knowledgeable and - importantly - honest about what would suit me and what wouldn't.

The Con: The starting prices of most services are quite high, so this salon won't fit everyone's budget. However, if you deserve a treat or need to makeover your hair for a special event, I couldn't recommend Jamie Stevens highly enough!

www.jamiestevenshair.com